Headhunters
Finding yourself jobless in today's economic environment can be a terrifying experience. Your first instinct may be to run to a headhunter for help finding a job. After all, when it comes to searching for job opportunities that could potentially be a fit for you, the more the merrier, right? You think it will save you time and energy and the headhunter is bound to have connections that you do not have. What you may fail to realize in your eagerness to find a job is that by using a headhunter you could be significant; reducing your opportunities.
Studies suggest that headhunters fill a much smaller percentage of jobs than they lead you to believe. Like 'single digit' smaller. How does that make sense? Shouldn't people who find other people jobs be better at finding jobs than the rest of the public? While you would assume so, there are other mitigating factors. Dealing with a headhunter may not lead to a job but it also may put you at a disadvantage with other candidates you will be competing with.
One thing to keep in mind is that in most cases, the headhunter's first loyalty is to the employer, not to you. The employer is the one who is paying the placement fee - their salary. It is in their best interest to keep their client happy which may not always be in your best interest. The headhunter is going to have the needs of the client in the back of their mind, they aren't likely to consider what would be best for your career.
Another factor to consider is that headhunters may be presenting multiple candidates for the same job. You have no way of knowing whether or not you are being presented favorably or as a second or third option. The headhunter does not work for you, they work for the employer.
In the case where the employer is using a headhunter but also seeking candidates on their own, you could be at a huge disadvantage. The candidates they hire without the headhunter do not require a placement fee which means they are paying less. In an economy where the bottom line matters more and more, this is a huge negative.
You also need to consider whether you want someone who is working for the employer negotiating your salary for you. They may not be able to get the number you are looking for because the employer needs to pay their fee on top of it.
If you are desperate for a job, there is nothing wrong with using a headhunter, but understand the reality of the situation and keep looking on your own. Chances are good that you will be able to find a better fit on your own.
Resources:
http://www.successinhr.com/talking-with-hr-headhunters
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002090354_headhunter14.html
Related Articles
- Questions you may want to ask Headhunters or Recruiters after an Interview
- How Headhunters Work
- Headhunters Recruiters Staffing Agency Agencies Independent Contractor Full Desk in House
- What to Expect from a Headhunter how Headhunters help you how to get a Job at an Employment Agency
- Drawbacks of using Headhunters
